Steven W. Bailey, the actor best known for portraying Joe, the bartender in the long-running television series Grey’s Anatomy, has publicly shared that he has been living with a rare genetic neuromuscular disorder for over five years, reports Baltimore Chronicle. Bailey, 54, revealed in an interview with Good Morning America that he first experienced troubling symptoms in 2020, which included sudden muscle weakness that made basic tasks unexpectedly difficult.
Bailey described a moment when he tried to turn a screwdriver and felt his entire arm lock up, prompting him to seek medical answers. After years of uncertainty, he was ultimately diagnosed with congenital myasthenic syndrome, a condition characterized by muscle fatigue and weakness caused by genetic abnormalities affecting neuromuscular transmission. While the disorder currently has no cure, certain medications can help alleviate some of its symptoms.
In a statement shared on social media on January 2, Bailey acknowledged that he had concealed his condition due to diagnostic uncertainty, privacy concerns, and career considerations. He wrote, “Out of career caution, diagnostic uncertainty, and being private about such things in general, I have been hiding my battle with this disease for over five years. Time to stop.”
Bailey explained that fatigue resulting from the disorder has required him to use a wheelchair for certain activities, though he remains committed to continuing his acting work. He emphasized that while he tires more quickly, most aspects of his film work remain achievable with adjustments such as moving around the set using a wheelchair to conserve energy for filming.
By speaking openly about his diagnosis, Bailey hopes to raise awareness of wheelchair users and promote greater representation in film and television. He suggested that characters reflecting the experiences of ambulatory wheelchair users could offer a meaningful opportunity for storytelling onscreen, highlighting perspectives often absent in mainstream media.
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